A visitor to the Now Play This projects her hands through a screen to adjust two yellow blocks on a board cut with pin holes. Photo by Ben Peter Catchpole
Exhibition

Now Play This 2024

Liminal: Playing Between Worlds

06 - 14 Apr 2024


Late night opening on Fri 12 April

Please note the exhibition is closed on Mon 8 Apr, and the exhibition will close early on Sun 14 Apr at 17.00 (last entry is 16.00).

Mon 08 Apr CLOSED
Tue 09 Apr 12.00 - 18.00 (last entry 17.00)
Wed 10 Apr 12.00 - 18.00 (last entry 17.00)
Thu 11 Apr 11.00 - 18.00 (last entry 17.00)
Fri 12 Apr 12.00 - 20.00 (last entry 19.00)
Sat 13 Apr 11.00 - 18.00 (last entry 17.00)
Sun 14 Apr 11.00 - 17.00 (last entry 16.00)
New Wing

Now Play This, the UK’s leading experimental games festival, returns to Somerset House this spring showcasing the very latest in independent and innovative game design from across the globe. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the festival offers engaging interaction and play for all ages to enjoy, fusing art and games with a new themed edition, Liminal: Playing Between Worlds

As part of the city-wide London Games Festival, this year’s Now Play This features games that ask players to think of the way they perceive the spaces around them, and about the way people relate to one another. Encouraging self-reflection, the interactive festival explores the transitory, borderless spaces between artist’s imaginations and audiences' inner worlds. 

Alongside games, installations, activities and workshops, there will be an accompanying programme of live events. 

Now Play This, Orchids to Dusk.png

A still from the game Orchids to Dusk, featuring in Now Play This
A still from the game Orchids to Dusk, featuring in Now Play This

 

Now Play This is supported by the London Games Festival, Arts Council England and Goethe-Institut, London. 

Visitor Information

How long will it take to see the exhibition?

We recommend approximately two hours to complete the exhibition. Please allow for this timing when booking your ticket.

 

Is the content suitable for all ages?

Content guidance: some games in the exhibition may feature mature themes. All games are clearly labelled, but adult supervision is advised for younger players. If you require any more information during your visit, please talk to a member of the Visitor Experience team.

 

Do I need to book in advance?

Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. There are a limited number of tickets available at the exhibition box office each day.

 

Bags & Cloakroom

Visitors should avoid bringing cases or bags (larger than A3), tripods or professional phtography equipment. 
Please note that there are no cloakroom facilities on site.

Accessibility at Now Play This

Relaxed Sessions
We are hosting a Relaxed Session for anyone who would like to visit Now Play This in a calm and comfortable environment, including people with autism and other neurodiverse needs, as well as their siblings, families and carers. This will be held on Sat 13 April 09.00-10.30. You can learn more about this and book tickets here.

 

Access Packs
Available to borrow from the Box Office everyday, our Access Packs contain noise cancelling headphones, a copy of the Visual Story (a guide to what you can expect while navigating Somerset House), magnifying glasses to help read type captions and a stress ball.

 

For more information about how to get to Somerset House and access across our site please visit our Access page.